Sclerotherapy for Temple Veins?

Question

Question about Sclerotherapy for Temple Veins: If the veins on the temple drain from the scalp? This means they are outside the scull? Then if back flow did happen how could the blood get inside the scull to cause problems? Also is it true that veins are not connect to arteries? If so how could the Sclerotherapy get into an artery to cause problems? Also if the veins drain from the scalp and do not feed the eyes then how could the Sclerotherapy cause vision problems?

John Landi, MD · Answer

Sclerotherapy is one form of treatment of temporal veins and is a safe procedure when done by someone with experience in this technique.  Arteries and veins are not connected but there are a group of people with what is called a patent foramen ovale in the heart (a small hole) which could result in the sclerotherapy solution passing from the right to the left side of the heart resulting in visual changes (usually blurry vision).  Fortunately, this is self limiting over about 20 minutes and is an infrequent occurrence. This reaction can occur when foam sclerotherapy is used because the tiny foam bubbles can pass through this small heart opening.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

We emplloy different techniques to treat temple veins - long pulse Nd:YAG laser, sclerotherapy or microphlebectomy - they are all good techniques and have effectiveness depending on size, distribution, skin thickness, skin color, etc.

Mark Taylor, MD · Answer

The best treatment for temple veins is the long pulse Nd:YAG laser.  Use correctly this laser is a fantastic treatment for temple veins.  I have been using this treatment for almost 20 years.  It is awesome.

Sclerotherapy for Temple Veins?

Answers (3)